The Las Amigas Club of Texarkana USA marked the kickoff of its 2026 debutante season with a reception held Saturday, August 22, at the Cabe Fellowship Center in Texarkana, Arkansas. Roughly 250 guests gathered to meet and greet the young women who will be presented later this year.

Mrs. Rea Allen served as Mistress of Ceremonies, while Club President Mrs. Alonza Mitchell opened the program with remarks and greetings. A prayer was offered by Mrs. Iwona Rockwell, followed by a welcome from Kristi Brown, Assistant Superintendent of the Liberty‑Eylau School District.

Dr. Sandra Dodd‑Young introduced the members of the Las Amigas Club, and Mrs. Iwona Rockwell introduced speaker Tia Williams, a former debutante who shared her experiences. Mrs. Barbara Larry then introduced the debutantes and their families.

Debutantes announced

The 24 debutantes for 2026 are:

• Z’Ryen Lakiyah Banks – daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stacey and Pe’Tree Banks of Texarkana, Texas.
• Blaire Lanise Barnett – daughter of Camekia Island of Texarkana, Arkansas, and Brandon and Chasiti Barnett of Fort Worth, Texas.
• Rayniya Nicole Brown – daughter of Ray and Shaun Brown of Texarkana, Arkansas.
• Aniya Grace Cheatham – daughter of Ms. Lacante Arnold‑Martin of Texarkana, Arkansas, and Mr. James Cheatham of Texarkana, Arkansas.
• Channing Taylise MarChelle Clayton – daughter of Fauneil Knox of Texarkana, Texas.
• Channing Harmony Dixon – daughter of Allyson Wade of Texarkana, Texas.
• Makayla Denise Ellis – daughter of Rodney and Angela Ellis of Texarkana, Texas.
• Alexandrea Marie Evans – daughter of Eddie and Angela Evans of Texarkana, Texas.
• Kennedi Shereece Gowans – daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Gowans of Texarkana, Arkansas.
• Armani Calee Harris – daughter of Ms. Quinshayla Willard of Texarkana, Texas, and Mr. Earon Harris of Texarkana, Arkansas.
• Ka’Leese Neshawn Howard – daughter of Gary Howard and Adrienne Lee of Texarkana, Arkansas.
• Andrea Kendrick – daughter of Ashley Brown of Texarkana, Texas.
• Jenice Misalynn Lockhart – daughter of Ms. Eboni Hawkins of Texarkana, Texas and Mr. Terry Lockhart Jr. of Allen, Texas.
• Nevaeh Maree Meadors – daughter of Ms. Miranda Brown of Texarkana, Texas and Mr. Rodrick Meadors of Redwater, Texas.
• Amarre Nailon – daughter of Christal Nailon of Hooks, Texas and De’Andrea Bush.
• Kimora Lynn Norman – daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Darrius Norman of Texarkana, Texas.
• LaBre’a Nichole Rowe – daughter of Ashley Rowe and La’Brent Rowe of Texarkana, Arkansas.
• Layla MaKenzie Sanders – daughter of Ms. Lavonda Edwards and Mr. Corey Sanders of Texarkana, Texas.
• Kaydence Stephens – daughter of Harvey and Jami Stephens of Texarkana, Texas.
• Ashlyn E’lise Turner – daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip A. Turner of Texarkana, Arkansas.
• MaKenlie Kristassia Tyes – daughter of Mrs. Ozrine Tyes‑Qwens of Texarkana, Arkansas and Christopher Thomas of Texarkana, Texas.
• Mackenzie Elise Wiley – daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Keith and Josclyn Wiley of Texarkana, Arkansas.
• Harmonie Uniq Denise Williams – daughter of Marshall Williams IV and Natasha Hamilton of Texarkana, Arkansas.
• Madison Willis – daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Krystal Willis of Texarkana, Texas.

The reception signaled the beginning of the debutante season, with the formal presentation scheduled for the Annual Las Amigas Club Debutante Ball on December 29.

Members of the Las Amigas Club who attended the reception included Mrs. Rea Allen, Mrs. Tina Abner, Mrs. Charissa Barnes, Dr. Karen Brown, Mrs. Maxine Crittenden, Mrs. Essie Dodd, Mrs. Sheila Dukes, Dr. Thelma Forte, Mrs. Melva Flowers, Mrs. Barbara Larry, Dr. Glorius Melton, Mrs. Alonza Mitchell, Mrs. Kimberly Perry, Mrs. Cassandra Rhone, Mrs. Krystle Welch, Dr. Jo Ann Rice, Mrs. Iwona Rockwell, Ms. Denise Thomas, Mrs. Johnnie Wallace, Mrs. Mary Warren, Mrs. Rita Williams, Mrs. Lillie Young and Dr. Sandra Young.

The event highlighted the club’s ongoing commitment to fostering community values, supporting families, and celebrating the achievements of young women in the Texarkana area.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.